Page 2B East Oregonian SPORTS Friday, May 15, 2015 Horse Racing Seattle Mariners left fielder Rickie Weeks Can Derby winner commits a fielding error as he fails to become next American idol? catch a sacri- fice fly hit by By RICHARD ROSENBLATT anymore, and no losses since. Boston Red Associated Press With a new rider in Victor Sox’s Mookie Espinoza, American Pharoah Betts in the — From won the and ninth inning a Kentucky horse farm to the FrontRunner Stakes with of a base- a sales ring in Saratoga to ease. He would have been the ball game Thursday ’s barn at Santa favorite for the Breeders’ Cup in Seattle. Anita, American Pharoah Juvenile, but Baffert noticed Brock Holt gave every indication he’s a something wrong — a slight scored on champion in the making. discomfort in the colt’s left the play. So what if part of his tail front foot. American Pharoah AP Photo/ is missing and he has cotton missed the race, still was Ted S. Warren stuffed in his ears before voted 2- year-old champion races? To owner and breeder and didn’t return to the races Ahmed Zayat, his Kentucky AP Photo/Patrick Semansky for nearly 5 1/2 months. Derby winner and Preakness winner American Pharoah, with exer- “When he got hurt it was MARINERS: Seattle favorite American Pharoah is cise rider Jorge Alvarez aboard, gallops at Pimlico Race the most gut wrenching thing the horse of lifetime. Course in Baltimore, Thursday, May 14. The Preakness of my life,” Justin Zayat struggles with runners on Stakes horse race is scheduled to take place May 16. “He is sheer brilliance said. “When he came back it Continued from 1B pitch and Seager followed and comes with unbelievable proud American Pharoah is a learned how to be a race- wasn’t a sigh of relief, it was with a single. The pair character,” said Zayat, who homebred, a son of his Derby horse. The breaking process more of just happiness to see crashing into the wall. He quickly turned and threw to advanced on a wild pitch was just warming up. “He is runner-up went well, and Zayat called in him back, proud of him.” and Cruz scored on Logan a character. He is a horse that and grandson of another trainers for his “breeze show” The comeback was ¿rst for the double play on Taylor to the inning. Taylor Morrison’s slow grounder. is kind, sweet, heady, classy, Derby runner-up, Empire to showcase his latest crop. a splashing success. He But the Mariners missed beautiful. It’s very rare to have Maker. His mother is a horse Baffert immediately romped in the Rebel over a likely would have scored if Victorino failed to make the another chance in the eighth a horse that has it all. He does named for Zayat’s daughter, stated lobbying Zayat’s son sloppy track at Oaklawn Park when Cano singled on a everything as effortlessly as Emma, Littleprincessemma. Justin, the general manager in Arkansas, winning by 6 1/4 catch. The Mariners continued 3-2 pitch with one out and you can ever think.” “A to Z, he is Zayat of Zayat Stables. lengths. Then he clobbered Cruz reached when Barnes In the months after the bay blood,” the owner said of “As soon as I saw this the ¿eld by eight lengths in to struggle with runners in scoring position, leaving couldn’t chase down his colt was foaled at Stockplace American Pharoah. “His horse work on the farm, I the three tapper off the end of the dad is the ¿rst horse I bred sent him a video and Bob weeks before the Derby. Cano standing at third in Farm, outside Lexington, bat. Barnes recovered and Kentucky, on Feb. 2, 2012, then who won a Grade 1. It’s like said to me, ‘Justin, remember Sent off as the Derby the ¿rst inning and failing moved to Vinery farm, Zayat saying your ¿rst team ever the Breeders’ Cup is in Cali- favorite, American Pharoah to score with the bases got Kyle Seager to ground received glowing reports, won the Super Bowl. And fornia this year,” Justin Zayat struggled most of the way in loaded and one out in the into a double play to end the particularly about the way he now he comes and wins the said. “He wanted our horse. third place, then fought for the fourth. Mike Zunino struck inning. acted around other horses. Derby and avenges the losses He saw how good he was lead coming out of the far turn. out looking and Boston got Seattle was 0 for 6 with “Usually, when they are of his dad and grandfather?” from Day One. If you want to He overtook stablemate Dort- a break on Dustin Ackley’s runners in scoring position. young, they’re silly, they hit At Vinery, it was Frances give a horse time to prepare mund, then outdueled Firing groundball that bounced off TRAINER’S ROOM each other and jump on each Relihan, operations manager for the Derby, you’re going Line and won by a length. If the glove of ¿rst baseman Mariners: CF Austin other like little kids,” Zayat said. at the time, who told Zayat to give him to Bob Baffert.” nothing else, it showed Amer- Mike Napoli but right to Jackson went through “I kept getting told he’s acting his colt stood out. All did not go well when ican Pharoah could still win Dustin Pedroia. Kelly raced another day of running on so mature and con¿dent, like “She told me he is ‘the American Pharoah arrived in despite not running his best race. over in time to cover and his sprained ankle. Seattle ‘I’m the leader of this group.”’ best foal she ever saw,”’ Baffert’s barn at Santa Anita. “The sign of a great horse get Ackley for the ¿nal out. is still hopeful he could go Right now, he’s leading Zayat recalled. “He was just The colt, who, according to is one that has everything go Seattle pulled even in the out on a rehab assignment many to believe he can win the showing tremendous leader- Zayat, lost part of his tail against him and still wins,” sixth. Cruz walked on a 3-2 this weekend. Preakness on Saturday, set up a ship qualities.” when Preakness rival Mr. Z Ahmed Zayat said. Triple Crown attempt in three And then it was on to bit it when they were in the Baffert won’t argue. He weeks at the Taylor Made, where the sales ¿eld, was a sensitive sort. loves what he sees. and end a record 37-year gap team convinced Zayat his Distracted occasionally. It “As always, he just Àoats MURPHY: Bucks going for since Af¿rmed swept the colt could raise Pioneerof the showed in his ¿rst race. Under over the track,” the ¿ve-time Derby, Preakness and Belmont. Nile’s pro¿le with breeders, Martin Garcia, he ran second Preakness winning trainer ¿rst undefeated CRC season “I am not going ahead owners and buyers. most of the race, went wide said Thursday after Amer- Continued from 1B improvement) right away.” of myself,” Zayat said. “We So into the ring he went on the turn, weakened in the ican Pharoah and stablemate Hillmick said Murphy’s have to win the Preakness at the Fasig-Tipton Saratoga stretch and ¿nished ¿fth going galloped around opponent’s batting average. extreme coachability and have to see what happens selected yearling sale, but 5 1/2 furlongs at Del Mar. Pimlico Race Course for the In 50 innings pitched she’s allowed rapid progress, and before allowing myself to with a caveat. Zayat would Baffert went the cotton ¿rst time. “He’s a very sound allowed only 38 hits and 16 Pendleton has only called think of glory.” not sell for under $1 million. route for a ¿x — cotton in and healthy horse. He just runs (two per game). Her on backup pitcher Lauren Zayat, who has spent As it turned out, Zayat bought the ears (earplugs if you moves over the ground really strikeout total is low (28), Richards three times in millions on horses since him back for $300,000. will). It’s standard operating well. He’s just brilliant. Does but so is her walks (16). CRC play — all starts in diving head ¿rst into the On to Ocala, Florida, procedure before each race everything so effortlessly.” “It’s about hitting spots, the second half of double- business 10 years ago, also is where American Pharoah now. Not much acting up It’s what champions do. and maybe we’re not going headers. to overpower somebody Murphy said she’s — even though she throws pretty darn hard, 58 (mph) excited to see some STANFIELD: Tigers improve to 12-0 at home this season maybe 59 on a good day different teams in the playoffs, but before she Continued from 1B a balk was quickly called, a lead-off triple, and jogged reached on a bunt single, — but she hits her spots,” Hillmick said. “I think it’s a starts focusing on that the Grogan said it was important awarding Jenson the plate home when Justin Keeney allowing Jenson to get to %ucks are looking to ¿nish and Stan¿eld’s ¿rst run. But blooped a 2-2 pitch just third. Two pitches later, Fitz- lost art. Kids can go throw, to his squad that they send but you’ve got to go pitch. CRC play strong against Allan off a winner. the umpires gathered behind barely into left ¿eld, plating patrick took off for second, Hermiston. the mound and changed their Fitzpatrick — who walked and the throw was high, And there’s a difference.” “We all love having It’s been a night-and-day Pendleton (17-7, 11-0 Steven on the team,” ruling, deciding that Vela’s — as well. handing Stan¿eld the tying CRC) is 3-0 this season move to second was legal. “Right there, two strikes run. turnaround for Murphy, Grogan said, smiling. “He’s who was mired in a against the Bulldogs (7-17, annoying, but we love him.” Fitzpatrick was sent back to (we’re) just trying to choke Then, with the home 1-10) and hold a 33-8 edge ¿rst, Jenson took his place at and poke,” Johnson said. four-pitcher with just 15 “Steven’s a fun kid, kind winning streak in jeopardy, strikeouts and 19 walks in scoring. of a goofy kid and everything third and Keeney Àew out to “That’s what he did.” Stan¿eld found a way to win. It will be the season right two pitches later. But the 3-2 lead wouldn’t while giving up more than else,” head coach Bryan Tony Flores walked, and seven runs a game. Even ¿nale for Hermiston, which Johnson added. “He keeps For 6.5 innings, the run last. Mac-Hi sent nine batters Grogan skied one to deep has been eliminated from was the difference. Mac-Hi to the dish in the top of the worse, her record was 1-3 things light, and he’s our only left-center. It dropped, but as Pendleton struggled to a playoff contention. senior. These sophomores, plated the ¿rst two runs of ¿fth and came away with Flores would have had time With a win Pendleton the game when Jesus Vela three runs. The Pioneers 6-7 mark prior to Hillmick’s they can say, ‘Aw, let’s look to score even if the ball had revelation. would complete the ¿rst for next year.’ But the other singled in Hunter Yensen and used a single and double to been caught. undefeated run through Joey Barnhardt for a 2-0 lead. get starter Hunter Barnes “It was a big difference day, they said, ‘Let’s win one “I was just trying to get because in the beginning of CRC play by any of the for Steven.’ ” Stan¿eld got one back in the into trouble, then lashed it out of the in¿eld,” Grogan league’s four teams. The third when Ryan Bailey lined two singles with one out to the season I wasn’t hitting Stan¿eld is a perfect 12-0 said. my spots, wasn’t pitching Bucks had previously at home this season. one back through the box, tie things at four. Fitzpatrick Stan¿eld is at Umatilla secured their fourth-straight driving in Thyler Monkus. would relieve the junior, the best,” Murphy said. Stan¿eld appeared to score Friday afternoon for its ¿nal “And then he moved me CRC title. the ¿rst run of the game when Jenson broke out of a and struck out the ¿rst batter league doubleheader against First pitch is scheduled recent slump in a big way in he faced. Then Sterling over and it took like a week the Tigers had runners at the the Umatilla Vikings. First to adjust to it, but I’ve de¿- for 4:30 p.m. at Sunridge corners and two away with the fourth. The sophomore Sandberg took the lead for pitch is set for 1 p.m. Middle School. had been hitting the ball Mac-Hi on a lazer into the nitely noticed a difference Justin Keeney at the plate. ——— and it’s helped out a lot.” ——— With one strike, Jason Fitz- hard the last week or so, but left-center ¿eld gap plating STANFIELD 6, MCLOUGHLIN 5 Contact Matt Entrup at had nothing to show for it. Jacob Chaney for a 5-4 lead. R H E “I should have seen it patrick took off for second MHS 002 030 0 — 5 12 4 sooner but I didn’t,” Hill- (541) 966-0838 or mentrup@ with Mac-Hi pitcher Jesus Thursday, he broke out. He Stan¿eld tied it in the SHS 001 301 1 — 6 9 1 H. Barnes, J. Fitzpatrick, S. Allan, T. mick said. “I noticed (the eastoregonian.com. Vela still set. Garcia spun and took the ¿rst pitch he saw in sixth when Jenson reached Monkus and D. Grogan; J. Vela, H. Yensen and K. Smith. threw to second base, where the fourth and hammered it on an error and quickly stole 2B: J. Barnhardt (MHS), H. Barnes (SHS). there was no runner, and over the left ¿elder’s head for second. Then Fitzpatrick 3B: K. Jenson (SHS). ATHLETE O’ROURKE: Hermiston needs a win and help to make playoffs OF THE WEEK Continued from 1B “This experience has maybe the same could be exactly what Hood River really made me look at the done for his son. did last year and make a run nosis on all the broken bones game in a very different A two-day ¿tting and at the right time,” O’Rourke KEVIN and what not,” Pendleton light and to never take molding trip to Michigan last said of last year’s league (10-14, 6-5) coach Greg any moment for granted,” month provided O’Rourke third placers which ran all the MURRAY Whitten said of his three-year he said. “It’s been tough with the necessary protection way to the Class 5A state title starting catcher. Heppner Baseball - to watch my friends and to play again. He wears the game. “That’s what we’re Sophomore Thanks to a more expedi- teammates compete and I mask in the ¿eld and on the shooting for.” tious recovery than expected can’t do anything about that. base path. “It’s like ‘What about and the implementation of a Especially year realistically “It’s taken some getting us?’” Whitten said. The sophomore right fielder entered specially-made face mask, hasn’t been the best. It’s been used to,” he said. “It’s “Anything can happen when O’Rourke has beaten the tough to just watch it and not de¿nitely not normal to play you get to the playoffs. Let’s Saturday’s series with Weston- odds. be able to do anything.” with something strapped to just keep focused and with McEwen with just one hit on the Last Friday against Hood O’Rourke only received your face.” Alex back it give us another River Valley he made his clearance to play — he still A face-guard attachment weapon. So, who knows season. He left it with much more. debut as the Buckaroos can’t play his natural position on his helmet is used for plate what can happen?” masked-man just under ¿ve behind the plate — once appearances. First pitch for today’s War Murray drove in seven runs in two weeks removed from the he procured the necessary In his absence, Pendleton on 84 is set for 4:30 p.m. at Mustang victories. Included in his three beaning. He struck out in one equipment. His transparent was able to do enough seal a Bob White Field. at-bat against the league’s ¿berglass face-mask was not postseason berth and opening Hermiston enters with hits was a grand-slam in Game 1 and top pitcher Ryan Ward, while just molded in the likeness of round home game behind the more on the line. The Bull- a walk-off two-run single in Game 2. also playing two innings in NBA players Kobe Bryant emergence of underclassmen dogs have won two previous right ¿eld. and Richard Hamilton’s standouts like Quinn Cock- lose or out games over The P ROUDLY S PONSORED B Y : “There were de¿nitely masks, it was molded by the burn and Caden Smith. With Dalles and Hood River, some jitters,” he said. “But, same craftsman. today’s War on 84 all that and with the Riverhawks • General Orthopedics • Sports Medicine it was a good way to get my Upon learning of his remains on the conference continue to Àounder, ¿nd • Arthroscopy • Foot & Ankle feet wet and back into it for son’s recovery time, Timothy slate, the Bucks will ¿nish themselves still on the cusp • Hand Surgery • Joint Replacement (today).” O’Rourke took to the Internet second behind Hood River of a playoff spot. A victory • Workman’s Comp Injuries He followed that up with to seek out possible solu- Valley, which earned its ¿rst and Riverhawk loss would a 2-for-4 day versus The tions. A video interview of Columbia River Conference guarantee Hermiston the Advanced A dvanced OrthopedicOrthopedic Dalles on Tuesday and enters Bryant from the 2012 season title in Friday’s 6-1 victory. league’s third postseason bid. & Sports Medicine Institute today’s senior day against spoke of how his mask made The Eagles provide the ——— Hermiston (11-11, 4-7) ready 620 NW 11th St., Ste. 201, Hermiston by orthotics crafters Murray model for what the Bucka- Contact Erik Skopil at www.hermistonortho.com to build upon the momentum Masks in Detroit had saved roos hope to accomplish. (541) 966-0839 or eskopil@ 541-289-7075 of his late season return. his season. O’Rourke thought “We’re trying to do eastoregonian.com.